Review: KINKY BOOTS Struts Sex, Heels, and Acceptance to Pittsburgh

What is the most beautiful thing in the world? Nature? Love? Food? What if I told you that for some, the answer was shoes? That is the exact mantra the Price family has passed down though the generations and unto the most recent heir, Charlie. When it comes his turn to take over the family shoe business, he is conflicted: stuck somewhere between the ill-fated triangle of paternal expectations, fiancée demands, and personal validation.

Charlie Price, played by Adam Kaplan, looks to save his family's shoe factory in Kinky Boots, the Tony Award-winning musical based off the 2005 film of the same name. His entire world is turned upside-down when he enters the "Land of Lola." Portraying the strong-willed, sassy Lola is J. Harrison Ghee. In saucy stilettoes and tantalizing getup, Mr. Ghee's presence on stage is vibrant, as he attempts to save Charlie's business through a new diversification strategy and sex (in the heels of the new boots, of course).

This unlikely friendship proves stronger than the molded steel on the heels, strengthening through every disagreement and triumph the duo face. In one of Charlie's lowest moments in the show, Mr. Kaplan switches his persona to a level of desperation as he connects to the text, though it seemed what he felt was not readily portrayed through his body language.

Of course, when discussing Kinky Boots, it is impossible not to mention the six drag queen Angels who permeate the show with their seductively long legs and beautiful voices. For me, the portrayal of Lauren by Tiffany Engen seemed to be the most devoted. Ms. Engen's quirky lust is showcased when she hilariously commits to performing "This History of Wrong Guys."

Accompanying Ms. Engen and the rest of the case is unconventional orchestra, differing from that of a classical show. What else would one expect from composer Cyndi Lauper? Ms. Lauper's empowering and infectiously catchy songs will certainly raise audiences up onto their feet. The music compelled the audience of the Benedum to clap along with cast, as if a giant dance party tore down the fourth wall, livening spirits with flashy and over the top aesthetics.

Kinky Boots also delves deeper into emotions; it gets to the heart of accepting others for who they are - a challenge that seems trivial but is actually the spark of much tension in our world today. When people look to Lola, they see neither a man nor a woman, but rather a fierce and confident human being, whose resiliency in the face of adversity and passionate will over her morality has led her to the pinnacle of self-actualization.

Psychology can explain it further, but simply stated: when we see someone different, we judge him, her, or they who have yet to make up their mind. But our ability to empathize and sympathize with them, and do good by doing so, is the stable bedrock supporting six inch stilettos, footwear worn for a season, and shoes that were made to last a lifetime.

To see or not to see score: 7/9; Recommended Show

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

To post a comment, you must register and login.